Are Acupuncture Needles Sterile?

Acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized, non-toxic and disposable. Communication of disease through acupuncture has not been an issue in the U.S.; a record, few other health care professions can claim.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires manufacturers of acupuncture needles to label them for single use only.

Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture has been reported to the FDA when considering the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used.